OF mental health care and mentally ill

Predisposing factors of anorexia nervosa

There is increased number of cases of eating disorders within families. Twin studies suggest that over 50 per cent of the variance is attributed to genetic factors. There is an increased risk of perinatal stress or trauma in anorexia nervosa. There is insecure attachment: avoidant in anorexia nervosa and ambivalent in bulimia nervosa. There is increased risk of adverse environmental exposures (sexual and physical abuse and neglect) in particular for bulimia nervosa.

A summary of the strategy Zucker et al. (2007) used to assess the relationship between anorexia nervosa and the autism spectrum. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)